Author Topic: Mini-beverage fridge for aging?  (Read 1547 times)

Dorchestercheese

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Mini-beverage fridge for aging?
« on: February 22, 2017, 05:19:40 PM »
HI -
I'm currently aging cheese in plastic tubs in my basement (dirt floor etc).  Creepy crawly stuff scares me that I will loose my hard work.

I see many mini-beverage or wine fridges that operate in the 40-60F range.  Can i use these with some humidity tray or such?

Two concerns - they are too small for my needs or are not controlled well

Examples
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Danby-18-in-120-12-oz-Can-Cooler-DBC120BLS/202677114

Duntov

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Re: Mini-beverage fridge for aging?
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2017, 06:35:23 PM »
That is what most people use with controllers.  Pick one that meets you size needs.

Offline Andrew Marshallsay

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Re: Mini-beverage fridge for aging?
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2017, 10:27:54 PM »
That is also what I use. The controller is a thermostat bought cheap through ebay.
Despite attempts at making a humidifier, I haven't solved the humidity problem yet. The use of plastic aging containers is my best solution to date.
- Andrew

Offline gathwaegl

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Re: Mini-beverage fridge for aging?
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2017, 10:14:20 PM »
That's the exact fridge that I use!

I was able to find it on craigslist so if you want it a bit cheaper, check around. Also, a temp controller, make sure you get one!
@justifiedgaines

Offline nccheesemike

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Re: Mini-beverage fridge for aging?
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2017, 03:17:31 AM »
That is also what I use. The controller is a thermostat bought cheap through ebay.
Despite attempts at making a humidifier, I haven't solved the humidity problem yet. The use of plastic aging containers is my best solution to date.

Just a suggestion for the humidity control a friend of mine uses a WILLHI Humidity Controller with a mini Homedics humidifier attached. You can set a humidity range on controller and it'll cycle humidifier on to maintain that range

Dorchester a mini fridge will get you going good. I started with a small one and made good cheeses with one too. Beware once your hooked on cheesemaking you'll be ready to upgrade.

Mike

Dorchestercheese

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Re: Mini-beverage fridge for aging?
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2017, 06:50:29 PM »
Thanks everyone

Mike - I do fear it will be outgrown...then what?  LOL this will let me learn

Temp controller recommendation?

Offline nccheesemike

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Re: Mini-beverage fridge for aging?
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2017, 10:37:22 PM »
Thanks everyone

Mike - I do fear it will be outgrown...then what?  LOL this will let me learn

Temp controller recommendation?

I bought an Inkbird Temp controller off Amazon for $35. Used it for 2 weeks and it's great I highly recommend.

As for next fridge I bought a 16 cuft one two weeks ago to upgrade my mini fridge

Offline Andrew Marshallsay

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Re: Mini-beverage fridge for aging?
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2017, 11:27:15 PM »
Temp controller recommendation?
I've had a couple of Chinese cheapies off eBay. Little grey and orange no-name devices.
Total rubbish.
Recommendation: Avoid them like the plague.
(The Inkbird controller sounds interesting. I might look into those.)
- Andrew

Dorchestercheese

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Re: Mini-beverage fridge for aging?
« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2017, 04:37:33 PM »
Hi the fridge is up and running holding temp and humidity.  I am using the homedics personal humdifier.
https://www.amazon.com/Homedics-Personal-Ultrasonic-Humidifier-White/dp/B005JSD2EE

The next challenge is to prevent water dripping off the shelves its has a pretty intense jet of vapor.  I do have it connected to a humidity controller so it doesn't turn on  lot but when it does water accumulates on the object closest.  Don't want that to be a unwrapped cheese.